Overview & Reviews

Few small cars have the following of the Volkswagen Jetta, one of the company's best-selling models in the United States. The name, says VW, refers to the Atlantic jetstream, "combined with the luxury and power of a modern jetliner." We're not sure about comparing the cabin and performance of this compact sedan and wagon to a Lear jet, but for much of its history, the Jetta appealed to buyers with its upscale design, refined cabin and strong engine options. It essentially bridged the gap between everyday compact economy cars and entry-level premium brand compact sedans. It was a niche almost unto itself.

More recent times, however, have seen VW go mainstream with the Jetta, cutting its price to make it a more viable option for small car shoppers. One of the most notable downsides of the associated cost-cutting was cheaper cabin trim. So more modern versions are cheaper but less distinctive. That said, a new or used Jetta remains a solid pick for shoppers looking for a compact car with European flair, good performance and, in the case of the TDI-powered versions, impressive fuel efficiency.

Current Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta is VW's most affordable sedan. There are five trim levels available: base, S, SE, SEL and TDI. The Jetta Hybrid and the performance-oriented Jetta GLI are both reviewed separately.

The base car is a stripper that must be special ordered and doesn't even come with air-conditioning. The S comes more reasonably equipped, with power/heated side mirrors, power door locks, air-conditioning and keyless entry. Both of these trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces a wheezy 115 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional.

Stepping up to the SE and SEL trims gets you a more desirable 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 170 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. The SE gets the same transmission choices as the lower trims, while the SEL is automatic-only. Besides the engine, these upper trims have access to more standard and optional features like heated front seats, Bluetooth and an iPod interface. The TDI, which is equipped similarly to the SE, features a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that is 50-state compliant and produces 140 hp and very impressive fuel economy. A six-speed manual or Volkswagen's DSG dual-clutch automated manual transmission are available.

In reviews, we've found the latest Jetta to be a fairly refined, roomy and comfortable compact sedan. The improvements made this year, such as the replacement of the humdrum five-cylinder engine with a perkier turbocharged four-cylinder and the fitment of an independent rear suspension for all trim levels, have boosted both overall performance and handling composure. As such, the current Jetta stands as one of the more appealing choices in this segment.

Used Volkswagen Jetta Models
The current, sixth-generation Jetta debuted for 2011. Compared to the previous generation, this Jetta is bigger and has a roomier backseat. But it also lacks the upscale interior of prior models.

The original engine lineup consisted of the base 2.0-liter inline-4 (115 hp and 125 lb-ft), a 2.5-liter inline-5 (170 hp and 177 lb-ft) and the turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel inline-4 (140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque). The first two engines could be had with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel offered a choice between a six-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The following year saw only minor changes, while four-wheel disc brakes were made standard across the board for 2013. Potential buyers should note that these Jettas, though otherwise similar, lack the current Jetta's notable improvements. The latter include a more sophisticated fully independent rear suspension (previously exclusive to the Jetta GLI) for all trims as well as the substitution of the peppy yet more fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine for the previous five-cylinder engine. These years also lack the availability of a rearview camera and VW Car-Net telematics.

The previous VW Jetta marked the fifth generation of Volkswagen's venerable four-door. It was introduced for 2005 (overlapping with the previous generation for one year) and ran through 2010. The sedan was the only available body style until the debut of the Sportwagen in 2009. Unlike the current car, the sedan and wagon were nearly identical save for the latter's extra cargo space.

Trim levels originally included the Value Edition, 2.5, TDI, 2.0T and GLI. The base engine was a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that initially made 150 hp, while the 2.0T and GLI featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produced 200 hp. This engine was available with Volkswagen's appealing DSG dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

The first diesel-powered fifth-generation TDI became the victim of new emissions regulations after 2006, but for those interested in getting excellent fuel economy, a used 2005-'06 Jetta TDI with its 1.9-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder (100 hp, 177 lb-ft of torque) should be a good pick. The TDI returned for 2009 with a new, cleaner-burning 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that produced 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual was standard and DSG was optional.

For 2008, VW reorganized the trim levels to S, SE, Wolfsburg (featuring the 2.0T engine) and SEL trims. The base engine's output rose by 20 horses (to 170 hp) and the GLI became its own distinct model within the VW family. The following year VW added more standard equipment (including stability control) and introduced an improved navigation system. Notably, '09 was the only year you could get the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the Sportwagen; it came with the SEL trim level. For this Jetta's final year, VW improved the interior and created the sport-tuned TDI Cup "Street" Edition.

In reviews, we found this Volkswagen Jetta set itself apart from domestic and Japanese economy sedans by offering a distinctly European interior and driving experience. It was a bit more expensive, but its higher-quality cabin, generous features list and quality engineering made it seem worth the extra investment. This Jetta was also a bit bigger than before, offering generous legroom, a large trunk and a more compliant ride than before. The GLI was also quite fun to drive. If there was anything that held this Jetta back, it was its styling, which just didn't resonate with buyers like its hugely successful predecessor.

The fourth generation, sold in sedan form from 1999-2005 and as a wagon from 2001-'05, was the most popular Jetta yet, and arguably the best-looking. It received minor styling and interior updates for 2004. Front seat-mounted side airbags were standard throughout the run; full-length side curtain airbags were added for 2001. It was also an entertaining car to drive and had top-notch build and materials quality. Scant rear-seat legroom was its major shortcoming. Although reliability has been spotty, a fourth-gen Volkswagen Jetta is still a good buy on the used market if its service history checks out clean.

As the base 2.0-liter engine offered weak acceleration and mediocre fuel economy, we recommend getting a fourth-generation Jetta with the excellent turbocharged 1.8T four-cylinder. It was available on the sedan starting in 2000 and on the wagon starting in 2002. Horsepower on the 1.8T also went from 150 to 180 in '02, but both versions of this engine were enjoyable. For even more power (but worse fuel economy), the VR6 engine was available, first with 174 hp and later upgraded to 200 hp for '02. This engine was only available on the sport-tuned GLI model for 2004 and later. With its firmer suspension and sport-themed body modifications, the GLI could also be had with the 180-hp 1.8T engine.

The diesel-powered Jetta TDI was offered throughout this generation (2002-'05 on the wagon) and provided mileage in the 40s. The 1.9-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder initially produced 90 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque and was upgraded to 100 hp and 177 lb-ft for 2004.

Although not as upscale as its successors, the third-generation VW Jetta was also quite popular. It was on sale from 1993 to mid-1999, though a strike at the assembly plant significantly limited '93 sales. Dual front airbags were phased in during the '94 model year. Air-conditioning was standard on most Jettas of this era, and ABS was generally optional. None of the third-gen Volkswagen Jettas were quick, not even the GLX model, which had a 172-hp VR6 engine, but all exhibited responsive handling.

User Reviews:

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  Buyer Beware! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gmb - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I was thrilled when I purchased my VW - my 1st NEW car. It didnt last. In the past 2+ years, I have fixed the sunroof, replaced the front tires at 30K due to improper alignment, replaced the rear rotors, the max air flow sensor AND a myriad of other smaller repairs. My side mirror casing cracked 3 mos after buying the car - right on the seam in the plastic -but the dealer refused to cover it under the warranty. I finally traded it in for a Honda, b/c Im so tired of dropping $500+ everytime I take my VW in for service. The car also runs VERY LOUD, especially on the highway. Yes, it is fun to drive. But if you want reliability, buy something else.

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  Go for the Turbo - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By steve9988 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive put 20k on my 1.8T wagon. It handles well around corners and in bad weather. The Turbo gives it lots of power for passing, getting up to speed, or just cruising fast on the highways. With this amount of power, its the gas mileage thats really impressive: 30mpg city, and 31.5 highway (depending on how fast youre driving). Back seats are a little tight for tall people.

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  Volkslemon - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jin Ho An - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Im totally disappointed with my Jetta. The engines great, Ill give them that, but I had to bring it in to the shop four times over a mere 10 month period, the window motor is busted again, and I have to bring it in once more in a couple of days. The overall performance may be commendable, but the little problems and the unprofessional attitude/skills of customer service is more than enough to give you a headache.

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  Great car - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By J chesney - October 5 - 11:48 pm

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bill - October 5 - 1:50 pm

  This car really is the greatest. It gets extremely great gas mileage. I actually get much better than estimated. I average about 44 mpg, and on a long road trip last month I got 53 mpg. This car is also very comfortable, and fun to drive. The interior is incredible. I will admit that Im not thrilled with the new body style, but overall I wouldnt trade it for anything. Interestingly enough, the dealership I bought it from offered to buy it back from me last month, they cant get enough in stock they wanted me to give it back and buy something else from them. They offered me one heck of a deal too, and I love this car so much I turned them down. This is definitely one car that I will keep for many years.

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  1 Year of Pure Bliss - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Erich - October 2 - 3:03 pm

  I wish the rest of the motor industry would take a queue from the Volkswagen Jetta. What a wonderful vehicle. The interior fit and finish of my 03 Jetta beats that of even some $50,000+ vehicles and my VR6 has plenty of power. If this years vehicles turn out to be as reliable as they are functional, it could very well be my favorite of all time.

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  Jetta...Da Da Da - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tina - October 2 - 7:46 am

  A Jetta is a great car thats a lot of fun to drive. The style appealed to me and it handles like a sports car, theres a lot of kick to it. Its a solid built car that feels safe and reliable. Downsides: snow can easily clog up the small wheel wells. Ive had issues with the doors freezing shut (the door seal is almost impenetrable). Have had issues with the side molding. Also had the cruise control system replaced once and now its not working again. The maintenance can get expensive and now that Ive gotten past 100,000 mile point, my wallet has begun to experience the "joys" of car ownership. Despite the issues, I would recommend a Jetta and will probably buy another one.

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  Love the Jetta - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By CARLO - October 1 - 6:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my Jetta so far. I have put 500 miles on the car and it drives and handles very well. I previously had a 2005 Nissan Altima, which is a very nice car, but I felt like "I was riding in the car, not driving it." This car is faster than the 250 hp Altima. It was not easy to manuver the Altima in parking lots. The Jetta makes driving fun again. You will enjoy it!

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  great car but paint.. - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By adam - October 1 - 5:16 am

  i love this car. i got indash gps. i also go 4 12 inch subs. fully loaded package 2. but the only thing i had is the paint. i got a black jetta. but the paint is just horrible after driving it. i just will have to get it buffed. i just worry that it wont make it worse.

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  You want to like this car. - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By The VW Rattler - September 30 - 2:00 am

  At first glance and ride the car appears solid as a rock. Tight fit and finish, well thought out design features, except for the cupholder, and a German feel. Unfortunatly the honeymoon ends soon after ownership. Numerous squeaks and rattles that you wouldnt tolerate on a 1980 Chevy. It will drive you nuts! They come from the dashboard, doors, rear seats, sun roof...everywhere it seems. The dealer claimed to fix by placing some sound dampening material in strategic locations, but to no avail. Also, lost my drivers side window to the inner door pocket and had to replace the Monsoon radio - all before 12,000 miles.